Crafts books for Christmas 2013: stitch up a storm or knit something natty

Christmas is the main event of the craft calendar, so if you know someone who's keen on card-making or super-skilled at stitching, a new book about their favourite hobby will provide lots of entertainment for those wintery post-Christmas weeks.

Even a novice with a needle could appreciate a new project to get stuck into in the New Year. And once they've received the book, they can let other crafters on Mumsnet know what they think of it by writing a review.

With the demand for handcrafted goodies booming, it's the perfect time to set up your own online marketplace and Kari Chapin explains all you need to know about selling your crafts.

This little book of knowledge is thorough, with advice on attending local craft fairs as well as selling your handcrafted treats online (and where to get started). It would make a great gift for a budding craft-trepeneur.

After the huge success of the Best in Show: Knit your own Dog and Cat books, knitting lovers (and wildlife enthusiasts) will be pleased to hear that Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne have produced Best in Show: Knit your own Zoo.

There are 25 patterns for wild animals, from a giraffe and penguin to an armadillo and fruit bat, plus the much-loved meerkat. Detailed instructions and beautiful photos mean you can make your own zoo selection. Quirky and quite fab.

Crafting doesn't get cuter than with Belle and Boo, and in their Book of Craft you can find all their classic characters featured in simple and timeless designs for children (and the young at heart).

There's a great range of crafts and designs, including knitted mittens, embroidered bunnies, crocheted picnic blankets, braided bracelets and even lollipop soaps. It's crammed with easy, step-by-step photos, handy advice on simple techniques such as hemming and hand-stitching, and loads of templates for you to use.

It's almost worth investing in this book just for the stunning Liberty fabric cover. There's a glossary of basic techniques and tips with beautifully illustrated diagrams, but, despite the title, these projects are for the more experienced crafter.

If the person you're buying for is already accomplished, then they'll love the amazing interior accessories, such as an upholstered footstool, chevron quilt, chair covers and table runners.

Knit designer-extraordinaire and best-selling author Debbie Bliss has already written over 35 books on knitting design, as well as her own magazine. Her latest book, Knits for You and Your Home contains a wonderful collection of designs, intended to Indulge, Cocoon, Pamper and Detox.

Let's face it, with knitting becoming an increasingly popular trend (even Ryan Gosling knows how), lots of us aspire to be expert 'chicks with sticks'. Debbie Stoller, founder of the Stitch 'n Bitch New York knitting group gives us the essential guide in her new book Stitch 'n Bitch: The Knitters Handbook.

With her witty, no-nonsense style plus hilarious anecdotes, Debbie imparts the tricks of the trade, including detailed techniques and stitches, information on needles and yarns, and many other useful tips.

Ever wanted to knit Kate and Wills? Henry VIII? Ant and Dec? We're not sure we have either, but now we've had a flick through Knit Your Own Britain, we definitely do. The patterns are quick, easy and quintessentially British, and as well as some of our 'national treasures' (Posh 'n' Becks, anyone?), there are patterns for mini-Cornish pasties and British bulldogs.

We're starting on the Marmite jar immediately, for a last-minute stocking filler.

Paper Made! is the perfect book for both papercraft beginners and crafting connoisseurs. It's jam-packed with handy and practical advice, and you'll find standard papercraft projects such as cards and giftwrap, as well as gorgeous home interior accessories like candle holders, lampshades and jewellery boxes.

There are even floral headbands, earrings and necklaces crafted from paper.